Seeing Settings in Viewfinder of D5100

I have trouble being seeing the settings that appear along the bottom when I'm using the viewfinder, especially in when outdoors in bright light. Live view is no better because it gets nearly completely "washed out" when I'm outside. Is there a way to increase the light level of the settings that appear along the bottom when one is using the viewfinder? Or is there anything I can do that may help increase the contrast?

I did look for an eye cup for my camera but there were very few that would be compatible and the one that was received reviews saying that it impacted the movement of something else (I forget what). So far I'm using the rectangular piece of rubber than came with it but it's not a real eye cup. Perhaps I'll contact Nikon directly.